Silver Reef Museum

  Silver was discovered in the sandstone at Silver Reef in 1866. Silver in sandstone is unusual and the discovery was dismissed until 1875 when a couple of speculators staked 21 claims in the sandstone hills. The ensuing silver rush brought enough people to town to support a mile long main street with a hotel, boarding houses, nine stores, six saloons, five restaurants, a bank, two dance halls, a newspaper  and eight dry goods stores. By 1884 labor disputes, falling silver prices, and water in the mines lead to the closure of almost all of the mines.

  Most of the buildings were sold for their lumber and stone. The only original buildings still standing are the Wells Fargo Office and a small jail. Several more have been reconstructed. The ruins of a few remain but new houses have been built just outside the park boundary.

  A nice little museum is housed in the Wells Fargo Office. The Cassidy Powder House has been reconstructed and has a diorama of Silver Reef, models of the mining structures, and an audio narrative of the town’s history. A trail makes a 1/2 mile loop past the ruins. Pick up a trail guide in the museum.

  This is not a very accessible site. The sidewalk to the museum entrance does not meet flush with the ground making a short step up. The first section of the museum and gift shop is accessible. The second section is accessed by a high step. The path is surfaced with loose stone which is difficult to push through even with assistance. The Cassidy Powder House is accessible.

  The parking lot is large enough for RVs. Museum  37.2526, -113.36707